Press Release

New Trowbridge leisure centre – engagement gets underway  

A number of engagement opportunities get underway this week with people, businesses and all stakeholders able to provide their feedback on Wiltshire Council’s plans to build a new leisure centre in Trowbridge.  

The first images of what the new centre could look like have been revealed, and an engagement survey to get people’s feedback on the plans is now live at www.new-trowbridge-leisure-centre.co.uk. The survey runs until 22 July and hard copies can also be found at County Hall, Castle Place Leisure Centre and Trowbridge Sports Centre.  

Along with the survey, there are drop-in engagement sessions taking place this week with members of the project team. These sessions give people the opportunity to meet the team and to share their feedback as well as hear more about the exciting plans proposed for the new leisure centre.  

The details are as follows:  

Residents who have any specific needs or requirements such as access or hearing loops should please contact trowbridgeleisureproject@wiltshire.gov.uk prior to attending.  

Once the engagement period is completed, the project team will review the comments and feedback received and this will inform the formal planning submission to ensure the new facility meets the needs of the local area and communities. Subject to planning permission, it is expected that construction of the new centre will commence in 2025.  

As confirmed last year, the council plans to build a new state-of-the-art leisure centre in the heart of Trowbridge town centre. The council’s East Wing site, located across the road from County Hall, has been identified as the preferred location for the facility.  

The proposed site was identified as the most favourable option as it:  

• is centrally located  
• has residential areas that are within reasonable walking and cycling distance  
• has good public transport links   
• provides the opportunity for multi-purpose trips, which will support the town centre  
• is a site that Wiltshire Council already owns  
• means the existing facilities can remain operational during the construction of the new facility.  

As previously confirmed, it is proposed that the new facility will contain the following:  

• A six-lane, 25m swimming pool   
• 7m x 13m learner pool   
• Gym with 120 exercise stations   
• Two studios   
• Immersive spin studio  
• Community meeting room   
• Café   
• Adventure play – providing activities for young people  
• Live well suite – providing a dedicated space for older people to exercise  

Following extensive consultation and a review of a wide range of evidence and data the new leisure centre facility mix does not include a sports hall, or squash courts.    

Wiltshire Council is in discussion with Acorn Education Trust regarding the existing facilities at Trowbridge Sports Centre. 

The landscaping around the proposed facility is being designed as a flexible space suitable for a variety of uses centred on play and social interaction, with natural play areas and seating areas that look welcoming and that fit in with the surroundings. The council has been working with an external design panel which has enabled it to capture the historical architecture used throughout the town and give a modern look fitting of its surroundings.  

 Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Health, said: “We’re excited that people now have the opportunity to see the type of facility that we’re proposing right in the heart of the community and our county town. We want this to be a hub that will draw in people of all ages in to use the excellent facilities, which will have a positive knock-on impact on the wider town.  

“The centre we’re proposing has been shaped by a huge amount of research and previous engagement. We carried out a detailed review of what the current physical activity opportunities are in Trowbridge, to help identify which additional services and facilities might help people to be more active. This work was incredibly beneficial and has provided a very detailed picture of the type of new centre we are looking to provide.  

“The purpose of the next few weeks is to get as much feedback as we can as that will prove vital as we prepare to submit a planning application very soon. I thank everyone in advance for filling in the survey and popping along to one of our events to hear all about the exciting plans we have.”